For Love of a Slytherin

Lets Learn A Spell

DISCLAIMER – Harry Potter and its affiliates are the sole property of JK Rowling.

DISCLAIMER – This is a gay slash story. If you are uncomfortable or intolerable with gay rights or homosexual activity, then I humbly ask that you not read this story. Thank you in advance.

NOTE – Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. For Love of a Slytherin is breaking all my goals and records for the most read story. I sincerely appreciate each and every person who is reading it.

Chapter 3 – Lets Learn a Spell

The rest of the month of July went by. Harry had sent Dobby to Diagon Alley and bought the books he needed for seventh year. He read through each and every book and could remember with clear detail every word that was printed in each and every book. Three more times, Harry sent Dobby to Diagon Alley for books. Harry read through each and every one carefully. He knew without a doubt that he would become the top in his class. He would pass Hermione and Draco in every single subject.

The day of July 31st arrived. Harry was not one that enjoyed his birthdays as he never really had a party or anything before. He went downstairs and to his surprise, there was a pile of gifts sitting on the table for him. Winky brought him his breakfast and Harry sat there eating while staring at the packages. His family all were sitting with him eyeing his reaction to the packages sitting there. Finally Petunia could contain her excitement no longer.

"Harry," she said with a smile. "Happy birthday. I left the back window open so that the owls would have an easier time getting in to bring your presents. Please open them."

She grabbed the first one and handed it to him.

"This one is from us," she said.

Harry opened it to discover a new watch inside. He quickly put it on his wrist.

"Thank you," breathed Harry. "I love it."

"You are welcome," said Petunia grabbing the next package. "This one is from Miss Granger. I did like her. She was polite."

Harry opened it and found a few different things in the package. Inside was jewelry cleaner, oral hygiene products and a new shirt.

"This is a break from tradition for her," said Harry trying on his new green button down shirt. "She usually gets me books."

"That shirt fits you nicely," said Petunia. "And it goes with your eyes. This package is from Albus."

Harry opened it and gasped in surprise. Lying nested in the wrapper, was a pensieve just for him.

"What does that do?" asked Dudley.

"It is a device that allows me to put memories in for a later viewing," said Harry. "I know this cost him a fortune."

"This package is from Severus," said Petunia. "I think it was nice of him to buy you something."

"I agree with you," said Harry. "He and my dad hated each other from the moment they laid eyes on each other."

"I know," said Petunia. "Lily sent me letters about it. Did you know that I grew up not to far from Severus?"

"Really?" asked Harry pausing in the middle of opening his package. "Wow the things you learn when you are not expecting them."

The gift Snape sent Harry was none other than a complete potions kit. Harry knew that this gift would come in handy for the classes. Petunia handed him his next gift.

"This one is from the Weasleys," she said.

"Those are that lot with all that red hair right?" asked Uncle Vernon.

"Yes," aid Harry as he opened the package. "They kind of adopted me. I saved Ginny in our second year. In fourth year I gave some money to the twins to help them build their joke shop. They love me."

Inside the package was some fudge that Harry passed around to the Dursleys. Also a new sweater was knitted for Harry with the Gryffindor lion on it. Ron had enclosed a sneak – o – scope, and Ginny gave him a gold chain.

"Very nice people," said Petunia. "This fudge is delicious."

"Mrs. Weasley is an awesome cook," said Harry.

Petunia handed Harry the next package this one was from Minerva. In it was some new every day robes in different colors.

"This is odd," said Harry holding up some pale blue robes. "I wonder why she sent me these."

"Why is that odd?" asked Vernon.

"Our school robes are black," he replied. "I will not be allowed to wear these to school."

"Maybe things are changing," said Petunia. "Don't worry Harry. I am sure that Professor Dumbledore will explain everything. You still have one more gift to open. This one is from Draco Malfoy."

"Draco sent me a present?" asked Harry awed.

"It would appear so Harry," she said. "Go on and open it. I for one am curious as to what he bought you."

Harry carefully opened the present. He was careful with the wrapper as he wanted to save it. Inside was a jewelry box. He carefully opened the lid of the box and nestled in the compartment where the rings go was a beautiful silver ring that held a Ruby. Harry took the ring out and placed it on his finger. It was a perfect fit. There were tiny diamonds that shone on each side of the ruby in the ring. Harry glanced down and noticed that there was a letter folded neatly in the box. He opened it and read.

Dear Harry,

Hermione told me that you rarely get birthday gifts. Therefore I am enclosing a gift in a gift. Thank you for sending me the letters this past month. The more I get to know you the more I like our new friendship. You are indeed a rare and special person. The insight into your mind is a wonderful experience. Thank you for being such a great person. I will see you this evening.

Happy Birthday

Fondly

Draco

Harry read the letter twice more. When he was finished, he showed his Aunt the beautiful ring and let her read the letter. She smiled at him.

"I told you so," she said. "He is just as interested as you are."

"Winky," said Harry. "Would you please help Dobby bring all of this upstairs and pack it carefully in my trunk? We have about an hour to go before Professor Dumbledore gets here to escort us to the castle. Please place my mom and dad's wedding rings in the beautiful jewelry box that Draco gave to me."

"Of course Harry Potter," she said picking up the packages. "Do you want me to bring your trunk downstairs when we is finished?"

"Yes, please," said Harry. "Do not forget Hedwig's cage. Tell her I will meet her at the castle."

"Consider it done Harry Potter," she squeaked as she headed out the room.

"I know that you are in very capable hands now Harry," said Petunia helping Harry clear the wrappings off the table. They will care for you from now on. Oh look, it's a letter from Hagrid."

Harry took the letter and opened it. Inside of the letter was a picture of an egg that was sitting in the fire.

Dear Harry,

I got this for you for your birthday. It will hatch this evening when you are here at the castle. This is a phoenix egg. Dumbledore thinks there is more than one in the egg. We will see. Don't forget Albus is picking you up at noon.

Love from

Hagrid

"A phoenix egg," breathed Harry. "That is something that is very rare and very valuable."

"Isn't that those birds that come back to life when they burst into flames?" asked Dudley.

"In my world a lot of the mythological creatures exist," said Harry handing over the photo.

"Wow," said Vernon handing him the photo back. "I want to tell you one thing. I am sorry for treating you so bad while you were here. I don't understand a lot of what you do, nor do I want to. You seem to have a lot of things that hurt you. I hope that these other people will help you with that. Just know that you can call us anytime Harry. We all here wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you Uncle Vernon," said Harry. "I really appreciate that. Thank you for taking me in when I was a baby. Your generosity is what has kept me alive all of these years."

"Do me one favor Harry," said Petunia as she opened the door for Albus. "Catch and destroy the bastard that killed Lily and James."

"You don't even have to ask," said Harry standing up to greet the Head Master.

"Hello Sir," said Harry. "It is a fine day for travelling. Thank you for the pensieve. I am sure that it will come in handy."

Albus chuckled.

"Whenever you are ready Harry," said Albus. "Dobby and Winky arrived a few minutes ago with your belongings. They are now setting up your things in your new room at the castle. Mr. and Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood are already there as is Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Longbottom. Miss Granger is especially eager to see you. I will wait for you in the yard."

Albus bowed to Vernon and Dudley and kissed Petunia's hand.

"Thank you for helping Harry these last few weeks," he said. "I am not sure what you did, but whatever it was worked. He seems happier and healthier."

"I don't think it was necessarily anything we did," said Petunia. "It was the letters that he has been getting from that young man that has made him smile."

Albus chuckled at Petunia's words and went stand outside. Harry got up and held his hand out to Vernon. At first Vernon eyed him suspiciously. When he realized that this was not a trick, he stood and shook Harry's hand. Harry shook Dudley's hand as well. He gave his Aunt a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you all again for everything," he said with tears in his eyes.

"Good Luck boy," said Vernon.

Harry turned and went outside to stand by Albus.

"Harry I am sure that you know how to apparate," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Flourish and Blotts has been sending me reports on what you have been buying and reading. I will apparate with you in a side along. That way if you make a mistake, I can help you correct it."

Harry took a deep breath and smiled. He recalled word for word the verbatim regarding apparition. Albus gently took his hand.

"You will have to apparate us to Madam Rosemerta's," said Albus.

Harry nodded and pictured the pub. In a matter of moments, he turned on the spot and then felt like he was suffocating. In the next second, he was standing in the pub with Albus smiling down at him.

"Well done Harry," said Albus. "That was perfect to the letter. I will make sure you get your license for apparating. Shall we go to the castle now? There are quite a few people that are eager to see you. I know one young man will definantly be delighted to see you."

"Draco?" asked Harry.

"Succinctly," said Albus. "With the exception of Miss Granger, the others do not fully trust young Mr. Malfoy just yet."

"I hope they get used to him being around," said Harry opening the door for his mentor and friend. "It will get tiresome to hear the others putting him down. Did you see what he bought me for my birthday?"

"I helped him pick it out," said Albus smiling as he and Harry started down the road towards the castle. "I wish you the best of luck with him. He really is a delightful young man. This brings me to something else that I wish to talk with you about before we get to the castle."

"I am all ears Sir," said Harry. "What do you need to talk with me about?"

"I can try Sir," said Harry. "I do not think I am strong enough in potions to pass it without the help of Draco and Hermione though."

"I think you will do splendidly," said Albus. "Special quarters have been made for you, Mr. and Miss Weasley, Miss Granger and Miss Lovegood. Also Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Malfoy will be there. We have established your own personal wing as it were."

"That would be great," said Harry. "Yes, I will sit and start taking my NEWTS tomorrow then."

"Excellent," said Albus. "You will find that there are a few changes in the castle. As the summer ends and the new school year starts you will notice that there will be even more changes made. Are you hungry? Lunch is about to start."

"Yes Sir I am," said Harry smiling.

He and Albus walked into the great hall. They were met by the members of the DA that was with him in the Department of Mysteries. Draco hung back and watched the scene before him. Harry was dressed in the green shirt that Hermione gave him with the necklace around his neck from Ginny. On his fingers were the Potter Family Ring, the Black Family ring, and the silver ring from Draco. When the rest of the group all made comments and hugged Harry, they backed off.

"We don't know why he is here," said Ron pointing at Draco. "I wish he wasn't."

Hermione and Ginny didn't say anything. Both ladies gave Ron a scowl and a glare. Harry however, really didn't hear what Ron had said. His eyes were locked on Draco's. Draco in turn had his eyes locked on Harry. Harry lifted his hand and showed Draco where the ring he had given him was located. Draco smiled in relief at this.

"I didn't know if you would like it," said Draco.

"I love it and the box you sent with it," said Harry. "I also love each and every letter you sent to me."

Albus made his way to the staff table. Harry glanced around and noticed that there was a new table on the main floor that faced the house tables. When he was done taking in his surrounding, he focused his gaze back on Draco. Hermione and Ginny both waited with baited breath. Albus and Severus also waited watching the scene before them play out.

Ron and Neville were looking at Harry wondering why he was looking so strange.

Harry never took his eyes off Draco. Draco never took his eyes off Harry. Finally Harry walked forward and took Draco's face in his hands. Draco's eyes widened at first in shock. However his gaze never left Harry's face. Finally Harry leaned over and planted a feathery soft kiss on Draco's lips.

Hermione and Ginny both gave a sigh of relief. The suspense was killing both of them. Ron and Neville looked shocked at this. Albus and Minerva looked over at the two young men and smiled. Severus didn't say anything, but his eyes never left the couple.

"Well this is something that you don't see everyday," said Luna.

Everyone around Harry and Draco laughed openly at this. Even Severus smiled briefly, but was quick to hide it. He knew he had to sit both young men down and have a talk with them. As if Harry could hear his thoughts, he looked over to Severus.

"My channels are open Professor Snape," he said. "You can see in my mind that I am not playing a game here."

"So it seems Potter," said Severus less harsh than he usually spoke to Harry. "However, secrecy and decorum are prudent here. This is not something you want to push in the faces of the other students of the school."

Draco had grabbed Harry's hand as he turned to face the potions master.

"We will be decent about this," said Draco. "My shields are down also. You can see that I am not playing a game here either."

"Draco and Harry?" asked Ron before Snape could comment. "Are you serious? How could you?"

"That is enough Mr. Weasley," said Albus sharply. "True love doesn't happen often, but when it does who are we to deny it. Tolerance is needed here."

"Yes Sir," said Ron quickly. "I am sorry about my reaction. It just caught me by surprise, is all."

"What we need is for you all to work together," said Albus. "Mr. Malfoy has skills that will help you as well. There is a reason for you all being here for this month. We will talk about this when lunch is over. Please have a seat and let's eat. The new table you see before you is for your use from now on."

"Even when school starts?" asked Hermione sitting down and putting food on her plate?

"Yes Miss Granger," said Minerva. "That is the plan. We will tell you all about it after lunch."

The group of adults and the seven teenagers sat down and ate. Harry sat on one side of Draco and Hermione sat on the other. That something odd was going on did not seem to bother the new couple. Harry and Draco kept blushing at each other as they held hands under the table. Ron did not say anything, but he looked thoughtful at his best friend and his once upon a time bitter enemy. Hermione made it a point to engage Draco in conversation when she could. He was respectful to her and talked with her as an equal.

"I am so happy for you both," she told him. "I have been waiting for ages for you guys to realize that you were meant for each other."

"I honestly thought Harry was in love with Ginny," admitted Draco.

"Harry and I are like brother and sister," said Ginny. "The feelings we have for each other are purely different. I am glad for you both as well. My fear is what the other students will think."

"Now that is something we will be working on," said Severus from the staff table. "We will assist Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy all that we can. However, you will have to help us as well."

"Harry and Draco will need to be discreet," said Minerva. "The more they lie low and not rush to tell the world, as it were, the better the rest of the student body will have in accepting the pair. After all it is not uncommon for same sex pairings in our world."

"I have read about many," said Hermione. "That is why I knew what signs to look for in both Draco and Harry. I am very happy that they finally are allowing their true feelings for each other to be known."

"It will take me some time to get used to this," said Ron. "I promise to help out in any way that I can. Before you ask, no my friendship with Harry will not change over this. It is just getting used to Draco that I will be working on."

"I think it is sweet," said Neville piping up for the first time. "I for one am very happy for them."

"Well said Mr. Longbottom," said Albus. "While we are sitting here chatting and eating desert, I see no reason not to talk to you all. Harry wrote me a letter during the summer about him memorizing every book he owns. When I received the letter I went immediately to his house and talked with him."

Albus pulled a few boxes out of his pockets. He walked to the teenagers and placed one box in front of Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. He placed two boxes in front of Luna, Neville, and Draco. In front of Harry he placed four boxes. Harry knew what was in the boxes. He did not open his. He watched the expressions on the faces of the other students. When each had their boxes open, they all looked at Albus with confusion in their eyes.

"Harry would you like to do the honors?" asked Albus with a smile. "After all you know the book better than I do."

Harry blushed red a little as he got up and kissed Draco on the forehead. Hermione and Ginny beamed.

"Professor Dumbledore found a book in the castle one day," began Harry. "It was a book on genealogy. As I was looking through the pages I found out some very interesting things about each and every one of you. Neville, you are a descendant of Godric and Helga. Luna, you are a descendant of Helga and Rowena. Draco, you are a descendant of Salazar and Helga. Ron and Ginny you are a descendant of Godric. Hermione, you are in fact a descendant of Rowena Ravenclaw."

"We are related to the four founders?" asked Draco in an awed voice.

"Yes we are," said Harry.

"Harry you didn't tell us which founders you are related to," said Hermione. "I naturally think it is Godric."

"Correct Miss Granger," said Severus. "Mr. Potter is a descendant of all four of the founders."

"Holy Hell," said Ron looking up from the ring on his finger. "No wonder Harry is the way he is."

"In a manner of speaking that statement is correct," said Severus. "Harry has the true blood of all four founders in his veins. Our claim to the castle and the inheritances from the four founders is no where near as strong as his."

"Wow more money for you Harry," said Ron frowning slightly. "I am so jealous."

"Money is the least of his concerns Weasley," snapped Minerva. "It means that he is a walking bull's eye. That means more burdens will be placed on his shoulders. More trouble for Harry in the future."

"Thus the reason for you all being here for the rest of the summer," said Albus. "Tomorrow Harry will sit for his NEWTS. I have no doubt in my mind that he will pass every single subject with an E at the very least. Also the staff members will be training you in special classes to help defend Harry."

"What can we do to help him?" asked Draco.

"I am glad you asked," said Severus. "You all will be Harry's body guards."

"Body guards from what?" asked Neville. "Harry seems to be doing ok on his own without our help."

"There are students in this school that are not on the side of light," said Albus. "There are certain students who are also descendants that are leaning rapidly towards the darkness. It will be your job to stop those that wish to harm Harry."

"You can count on me," said Draco and Ron immediately.

Both looked at each other and then burst out laughing.

Albus sat back in his chair with a twinkle in his eyes.

"I have one thing to say to Draco," said Ron. "If you ever hurt Harry in any way you will have to answer to me. Other than that, welcome to the family."

"I will do my best to never hurt Harry," promised Draco. "You have my word as a descendant of Salazar and Helga."

"Excellent," said Albus. "Harry there is one more thing we wish to discuss with you."

"I am listening," said Harry pulling his eyes away from Draco and gazing up at Albus.

"We would like you to be the new DADA teacher this year," said Albus.

"What did you say?" asked Harry rubbing his ears. "I can't be a professor here. I am too young."

"Young is correct," said Severus pulling out his wand. "However you are definantly skilled."

"Petrificus Totalus," said Severus aiming the curse at Harry who did not have a wand in his hands.

Harry did not even reach for his wand. He simple mumbled "Protego" and watch as Severus got his with his own spell.

"Wandless magic with no training," said Minerva impressed as she performed the counter charm on Severus.

"That was very good Potter," said Severus when he finally stood. "So do you think you can handle the position of DADA teacher?"

"I thought you wanted the post," said Harry in a confused pleading voice.

"I want someone qualified in the post," said Severus. "You are that person."

"You are the only one that the castle will allow Harry," said Albus. "The founders came to me and spoke. It is you they want."

"What about the students?" Harry asked in a desperate voice. "They are not going to want to learn from me. That goes especially for the Slytherins. They all hate me."

"You leave that to me," said Severus. "Now stop delaying Potter. Are you going to take the post or not? For every argument you have, we have a counter."

"Yes I will take the job," said Harry. "You all will need to help me though."

"You don't even have to ask," said Minerva. "We will help keep an eye on you and if at anytime you have a question all you have to do is ask."

"Ok," said Harry defeated. "I will gladly take the post. Can I stay sitting at this table with my friends?"

Albus laughed and even Severus smiled.

"Yes Professor Potter," he said. "Your friends will have to keep in mind that though you are close, that you are still a professor. I highly doubt that you will have too much trouble with that portion of it. Oh yes, one more thing. All of you will be taking Occlumency classes with Professor Snape, Animagus training with Professor McGonagall, and Legilimency lessons with me. During those lessons, you will also be learning about the history of Tom Riddle. Harry if you could work with the group on wandless magic I would appreciate it."

"No problem," said Harry. "Is it possible for me to go lay down? I have a lot to think about and I could use some rest."

"Of course Harry," said Albus with his eyes twinkling like mad. "Why don't you lot show Harry your section of the castle while we professors get everything set up for Harry's NEWTS tomorrow."

Harry and the rest of the group stood up. Draco grabbed Harry by the hand and led him from the Great Hall. Albus laughed behind them.

"Do you think he will be ok now?" asked Severus.

"Without a doubt," said Albus. "Are you ok with the pairing Severus?"

"I have looked into both of their minds," he replied. "It looks very genuine and solid to me."

"Our fear for Harry will be lessoned then," said Minerva.

"So it would seem," said Albus.

Meanwhile, Hermione and Draco along with the rest of the group pulled Harry to their new set of rooms.

"We each get our own room," said Hermione. "They have wards on them and everything. We are allowed to go into each others rooms, but only if we know the password. Draco and I have already seen each other's rooms. I have seen everyone else's but yours."

"Well then let's go look at my rooms," said Harry with a laugh.

They reached a section of the castle that was used little. When they reached the door, Hermione gave the password of "oven mitts" and the door opened. Inside the common room were seven desks. Each one had a book case behind it on one side and a door that led to the bedrooms on the other side. Harry had no trouble identifying which room was his. Each room and desk had a gold or silver name plate on it with their name. Harry pressed his hand to the door and it opened.

"I think my password will be the word founders," said Harry to the group at large.

They all entered the room and gasped in amazement. Everything was decorated in rich mahogany furniture. The curtains were burgundy velvet. The head board on the bed had the Hogwarts coat of arms on it. There were two more doors to the rear of the room.

"That is your bathroom on the right and your closet to the left," said Hermione.

"Wow," said Harry. "I have no other words than that."

"Dobby and Winky have already brought your things into your room and set everything up for you," she said pointing to where his pensieve sat on a table and his jewelry box from Draco sat on the book shelf. "All of your clothes are hanging up and such. Professor Dumbledore wants to take you shopping for clothes that fit instead of your cousin's hand me downs."

"We will take you after your NEWTS are done," promised Draco. "Like you Harry I am a legal adult now."

"Can I show you all something special?" asked Harry leading the group to the couches in his room.

"What is it Harry?" asked Neville.

"Aunt Petunia gave me something at the beginning of the month on the day of Sirius' funeral." said Harry as he walked over to the jewelry box and took out the ring box. "She gave me my mother and father's wedding rings."

There were audible gasps of awe as the box was passed around to each individual.

"If things go well for us Draco," said Harry. "I will add your birthstone to this ring and give it to you to wear. I will call it our engagement ring."

"When we make it to that point," said Draco. "I will wear it gladly."

Harry blushed at those words. He gave a huge yawn.

"All right everyone," said Ron. "Lets give the two lovebirds some alone time. Harry, try and get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow."

"I promise Ron," said Harry. "I am tired and could use the sleep. I will see the rest of you later. Can someone wake us for dinner?"

"You got it Harry," said Ginny with a giggle as she shut the door behind her.

Harry walked over to the bed and pulled the covers down. He went into the bathroom and cleaned up. From there he put on some comfortable clothes and got into the bed. Draco walked over to him and sat on the edge of the bed.

"I will do everything in my power to help you Harry," he said.

Draco bent his head and kissed Harry soundly on the lips. When the kiss finally ended, Draco stood up.

"You get some rest," he said. "I will see you later."

With that, the blonde Slytherin walked out of Harry's room quietly shutting the door behind him. Harry laid there for a few minutes thinking about the kiss. He nodded off to sleep with a smile on his face.

AUTHOR'S NOTE – I will end this chapter here. I want to give justice to each and every chapter I write for this story. Please send me all the reviews you can so that I can know how to proceed. Thanks in advance.

Other Collections

About Us:

Inkitt is the world’s first reader-powered book publisher, offering an online community for talented authors and book lovers. Write captivating stories, read enchanting novels, and we’ll publish the books you love the most based on crowd wisdom.